News Release

Friday, July 7, 2017

LAPD Officer-Involved Shooting In Hawthorne NRF050-17bm

**The following information is based on a
preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as
investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic
records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department's
understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as
additional evidence is collected and
analyzed**

Hawthorne: The Los Angeles
Police Department (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is
investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in
the City of Hawthorne.

On June 29, 2017, around 9:50 a.m., Special Investigation Section
(SIS) and uniformed Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers
were conducting surveillance on Qasim Knox, a previously identified
murder suspect. The officer's surveillance escalated into a short
vehicle pursuit, which terminated when Knox exited his vehicle near
the intersection of Aviation Boulevard and El Segundo Boulevard, in
the City of Hawthorne. Knox fled on foot into a large residential
complex in the area.

SIS, SWAT, and uniformed Hawthorne Police Department officers
responded to the residential complex. As officers arrived, Knox
fired a semiautomatic handgun at them, which resulted in two
separate Officer-Involved-Shootings. The first OIS involved SWAT
officers and the second involved SIS and Hawthorne Police
Department officers.

Knox was struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital
where he continues to be treated for his injuries.

A SWAT officer was struck by the suspect's gunfire and transported
to a local hospital, where he was treated and later released.

Officers recovered a loaded semiautomatic handgun at scene.

Robbery Homicide Division detectives responded to the scene and
began their investigation of the Attempted Murder of LAPD and
Hawthorne officers by Knox.

LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to
the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic
evidence. FID will also review and collect all available body worn
and digital in car video. The Office of the Inspector General and
the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office had
representatives at the scene. The complete investigation will be
reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police
Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force complied
with LAPD's policies and procedures. The Los Angeles District
Attorney's Office will also review the evidence collected during
the investigation to determine whether any criminal laws were
violated.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged
to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:
• During business hours at (213) 486-5230;
• During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7
(877-527-3247);
• Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(800-222-8477) or by texting "LAPD" and your tip to phone number
274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or
• Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.